Castillo Emphasizes Experience Over Score in Cuba vs Russia Friendly
The head coach of the Cuban national team, Yunelis Castillo, made a candid assessment about the recent friendly against Russia. He said the result on that day was not the centerpiece of their effort. The main goal, he explained, was to gain valuable experience ahead of upcoming programming for the squad. rownstone Castillo noted that while a victory would be welcomed, the immediate focus was on collective growth and learning from the match experience. These remarks came as preparation continued for the teams and the players looked to translate lessons from the game into stronger performances in future fixtures.
The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Volgograd on November 20, with kickoff timed for 19:30 Moscow time. This upcoming clash is part of a broader set of international tests for both sides, and it will mark the fifth international friendly for the Cuban squad in 2023. The back-to-back fixtures against Russia provide opportunities for players to compete at a high level and for the coaching staff to refine tactical approaches under real match pressure.
Context surrounding the Russian national program adds another layer to the fixture. In early 2022, FIFA and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) suspended Russia from all competitions under their governance. Since the suspension, Russian clubs and the national team have been limited to friendly matches when facing opponents outside those two organizations
0and have not been eligible for regional or global competitive events. This shift has shaped how teams like Cuba approach the series, balancing international exposure with the evolving landscape of global football.
In a related note, a former player from the Russian national team commented that he did not show much interest in the Cuba match. The remark highlighted the wider variation in priorities and focus among players and teams as they navigate the complexities of recent international calendars. Such reflections underscore the broader sense that results may take a back seat to development, experience, and readiness for forthcoming duties on the field.